A Florida student who was bullied for a homemade University of Tennessee shirt he wore during an elementary school spirit day was offered a full scholarship to attend Rocky Top.
"In recognition of the fourth-grader's Volunteer spirit, the university has extended an offer of honorary admission for him to join the Class of 2032," the school said in a release. "In addition, he has been awarded a four-year scholarship covering his tuition and fees beginning fall 2028 should he decide to attend UT and meet admission requirements."
Vol Nation, you united around a #FutureVol who created his own UT shirt. And now we are thrilled to offer him a spot in the Class of 2032 and a four-year scholarship.🍊🎓 https://t.co/TjviKrMtLF
— UT Knoxville (@UTKnoxville) September 12, 2019
The unnamed boy's homemade design, pinned to the front of an orange shirt, had already inspired university officials to create a version of the shirt. Sales of it proved so popular it crashed the school shop website.
UPDATE: We're still working on our server issues, but hope to be back up soon. While other shops are trying to sell this shirt, please know we're the source that has an agreement w/the family, where all proceeds go to @STOMPOutBullyng #GoVols #EverywhereUT pic.twitter.com/BbUEAH5Syx
— VolShop (@UTVolShop) September 8, 2019
"So far, more than 50,000 shirts featuring the boy's design have been pre-sold by the VolShop," the school said.
All proceeds from sales of the shirt go to Stomp Out Bullying, a charity that works to prevent bullying.
"This little boy is getting his justice, and I'm so thrilled for him," Ross Ellis, founder of the anti-bullying group, told ABC News. "You just can't pick on a kid and think this is OK. For him to get his justice is just like winning a peace prize, because no one is going to bully him anymore."
The shirts are expected to be delivered later this month.
Cox Media Group
